PAINTING MADE EASY

This concluding article will cover our four remaining
topics:
• Preparation, preparation, preparation!
• Controlling spills, drips and/or overspray
• Clean up
• After care

As we’ve mentioned before, these articles are meant to give a general overview of things to consider when doing the job yourself or having someone do it for you.

Preparation, preparation, preparation!

Preparation is key. Even if you think your current paint is in good condition, you need to check for flaking, chipped or loose paint. Interior walls can have nail pops, cracs or holes that can easily be filled with spackling compound. Outside walls are most often cleaned first with a pressure washer and then with a scraper. Remember that house paint is more than just a pretty finish for your house. When you take the time to properly prepare the surface and use quality paint, you get a smooth, intact coat of paint which wraps your house like a shield against the outside world.

Controlling spills, drips and/or overspray

Drop cloths and masking tape are the first items you’ll use to keep paint from getting on unwanted areas. Learning to not overload brushes and rollers will probably solve most of your problems with drips. If you’re using a paint sprayer, it will take a lot of practice to master putting on a controlled and even coat of paint.

Clean up

Latex paint on brushes, rollers or in unwanted areas can be cleaned with water. Oil paint will require the use of solvents. After each period of painting, it’s best to clean up all tools and allow them to dry before the next use.

After care

One way to extend the life of a paint job is to wash interior and exterior painted surfaces at least once a year.

Don’t cut corners when it comes to painting your house; go the extra mile for the absolute best paint job. Not only will your house paint last longer, it will look better and offer excellent protection to your home in the process.

Eric Bauer is a manager at Sherwin Williams in Virginia, and Bob Surface is a painter from Virginia.